Recovery Program Now Helping More Than 1,000 Small Businesses

The Small Business Taxpayer Recovery Program launched by the NC Department of Revenue and the N.C. Small Business Commissioners Office in July is now helping more than 1,000 small businesses get back on their feet after facing financial hardships during the economic downturn.

"Our top priority is creating and sustaining jobs in North Carolina, and we all know that small businesses are the primary engine of job growth," Gov. Bev Perdue said. "More than 1,000 small businesses are now able to keep their doors open and their employees working. These are the types of programs that ease regulatory burdens and make doing business with state government more efficient."

The program offers penalty and fee waivers, as well as longer-term payment plans to companies that have fallen behind on sales, withholding and other trust taxes. With a total cost savings of almost $6.8 million in fees and penalties, 1009 businesses are now participating in the program.

"Companies from the mountains to the coast are benefiting from the state's help during these tough economic times," said Secretary of Revenue David Hoyle. "We have everything from restaurants, automotive centers, and healthcare services to landscaping and building companies that are using this program to get back on their feet."

Businesses with 200 or fewer employees qualify for the program and must agree to use the counseling services of the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) or the NC Small Business Center Network (SBCN). Both organizations are available to assist with financial planning and other business needs. All services are confidential and protected from public information requests.

The program runs through June 2013.

Interested business owners should contact the department at 1-877-252-3052 and visit the "Information for Businesses" section of www.dornc.com to learn more about eligibility and participation.